Poor Colin! He managed to smile in return, but not a word could he find, for in that moment he realized that he loved her more than ever, and that if his love had been wellnigh hopeless before, it was utterly hopeless now. For with all his resolutions to put her out of his life on coming to London, he had indulged a dream of fighting for success in order that he might one day rescue her from dreariness or hardship, and somehow win her for his own. Alas, now he comprehended only too fully what the Zeniths meant to himself. Kitty would be a very rich young woman. He could serve her in nothing at all. What an irony that the man who had given him his first step upwards—and a great step, too—should be the man to set his dearest desire beyond his reach! Well, there was nothing for it but to cleave to duty and have done with dreams.
Nevertheless it was a cheerful little dinner-party, and during it the love-lorn young man and Hilda Risk laid the foundations of a lasting friendship. Towards the close of the repast Kitty was telling the host of her father’s unfinished novel which Mr. West had just completed.
“He did it in six days, Mr. Risk,” she said warmly, “and I could not have told that it was not my father’s own work. It was wonderful.”
“Not at all,” said West, in his matter-of-fact voice. “There was next to nothing for me to do, for the last act was foreshadowed. It’s a great play, Risk. Craven of the Planet, whom I got to read it right away, admitted as much this very day, though he wouldn’t accept it.”
“Why?” asked Risk.
“Too much unlike recent successes, I suppose,” said West drily. “And I believe it would draw all London.”
“Miss Carstairs,” said Risk kindly, “wouldn’t you like to see your father’s play performed?”
The girl’s shining eyes answered for her.
“I think I can persuade Craven,” remarked Risk, turning to West. “Can you arrange a meeting between us for the day after to-morrow?”
“By jove!” said West softly. “The thing’s done! Miss Carstairs, take my word for it, that play will bring you a little fortune. Risk, God bless you!”